From Pastor to Cocktail Creator: Jordan Hughes, the High-Proof Preacher

This week on the podcast, Damian is joined by Jordan Hughes, better known as the High-Proof Preacher — a former pastor turned cocktail creator, photographer, author, and educator. Jordan has become one of the most recognisable creative voices in the drinks world, with his striking visuals, viral cocktails, and approachable educational platform, Cocktail Camera.We dig into Jordan’s unusual journey from the pulpit to Portland’s cocktail scene, how he built a career blending drinks and photography, and the lessons he’s learned about creating content that actually connects. Along the way, we touch on the rise of the creative economy in hospitality, why visuals and substance must balance in bars, and how authenticity is the secret ingredient for both cocktails and content.In This EpisodeJordan’s origin story: from church ministry to cocktails and photographyHow High-Proof Preacher started as a side hobby in 2017 and became a full-time careerWorking with Portland’s local distilleries and evolving into brand partnershipsThe shift from photographer to full-fledged content creator during the pandemicTales of the Cocktail and the community energy of the global bar worldHow Jordan’s pastoral background shapes his view on hospitality and people-focused workThe double-edged sword of social media: educated consumers vs. chasing visualsWhy authenticity and investing in staff training matter more than neon signs and Instagrammable backdropsJordan’s philosophy for capturing real moments behind the bar in photography and videoAn overview of Cocktail Camera and what bartenders and bar owners can learn from his 101 and Pro coursesOne practical tip any bar can use right now to instantly improve cocktail photographyJordan has very kindly offered our listeners 75% off the Cocktail Camera 101 with code COCKTAILACADEMY. to access this outstanding course, just click here: https://www.cocktailcamera.com/offers/P545iA84?coupon_code=COCKTAILACADEMYConnect with JordanInstagram: @highproofpreacherInstagram (education): @cocktailcameraWebsite & Courses: cocktailcamera.comConnect with The Cocktail AcademyInstagram: @welovecocktailsTikTok: @welovecocktailsxFacebook: @welovecocktailsxWebsite: thecocktailacademy.comEmail: [email protected] more? Don’t miss the Cocktail Academy Lock-In, available exclusively at thecocktailacademy.com, where Jordan shares even more hands-on advice for bartenders and bar owners looking to step up their content game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.